FIAT 500L

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Model Overview

Introduced to the U.S. market in the 2014 model year, the Fiat 500L is currently the most family-friendly vehicle sold by the Italian automaker. The only engine available is a 1.4-liter turbo-four with 160 hp and 184 lb-ft that’s now exclusively paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. When it was originally launched, the Fiat 500L was also available with a six-speed manual and a six-speed twin-clutch automatic. Originally offered in five trim levels, Fiat has reduced the 500L’s variants down to three starting with the 2017 model year but now includes more standard equipment.

Compared to the Fiat 500 hatchback, the 500L is 27.7 inches longer, 5.7 inches wider, and 5.9 inches taller. This allows the hatchback to fit five passengers and carry more cargo. With the second row in place, there’s 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space and it can be expanded to 68 cubic feet, making it more spacious than some crossovers. Because practicality is the car’s forte, the 500L comes with a number of features that make it more versatile such as a cargo area divider, a front passenger seat that folds forward to accommodate long items, and split-folding second row seats that also reclines, slides forward and back, and tumbles forward. For improved forward visibility, the 500L also features split A-pillars.

In a 2017 First Drive, we said that the 1.4-liter turbo-four struggles to get the 500L up to speed on the highway due to the added weight. There’s also excessive body roll when taking turns and it doesn’t feel as rigid as its competitors. The seats are also flat and don’t offer much support.

Why You’d Consider One

The Fiat 500L offers practicality with a dash of Italian flair and quirkiness. With nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space, the 500L’s cargo carrying capability can match or exceed some vehicles that are much larger.

Why You’d Look Elsewhere

The 1.4-liter turbo-four struggles to get the 500L up to speed due to the car’s hefty curb weight. Also, the 500L has plenty of body roll, and the seats don’t offer much support.